The new building was named the Michele Berry Science Centre in memory of the school’s former science teacher who worked at the school for 10 years before passing away in 2006.

Principal David Lloyd said naming the new building after Mrs Berry was a fitting tribute to the highly respected and dedicated teacher who he described as “wonderful person, terrific community member and exceptional educator”.

“She worked well with people and she had an outstanding work ethic,” he said.

“It’s a special time for her family and it’s a testament to her natural abilities.”

Mr Lloyd said the new building provides a modern and well-equipped facility for students studying and teachers teaching senior science courses including biology, chemistry, physics and senior science.

“As important as the settings and the grounds [of the school] are there’s one thing more important and that’s the staff who work there,” he said.

“We need buildings to keep as safe, warm and protected but as educators we make the learning happen.” Mrs Berry’s husband Nick said it was an “absolute honour” that the building was named after his late wife.

“Our family were always proud of Michele,” he said.

“She was a wonderful daughter, wonderful sister, wonderful mother and a wonderful wife she was also just a wonderful person.” Mr Berry recalled the times his family would arrive home to a house resembling a laboratory as Mrs Berry tested experiments to teach at the school.

“She absolutely loved her time at Canowindra High School,” he said. “She was a member of the first year 12 at Canowindra High School and as a result she always her heart in the school.”